How To Install SlatwallDrywall, cement, and rail slatwall installation.

Slatwall is easy to modify, affordable, adaptable, and customizable. Installing slatwall is usually very easy, even for first-time users. Slatwall installation usually requires few tools and usually only a few hours depending on how many panels you have.

Always remember to take proper safety precautions on projects like this.

Screw-In Slatwall Installation

The most common scenario in the retail industry is installing slatwall into drywall for a showroom or display purposes. Tools needed for this type of slatwall installation include a handful of screws, a drill, a leveler, and probably two people.

Pro Tip: Paint your walls and let them dry before installing slatwall. That way, if you want to move your slatwall in the future, you won’t be dealing with paint sticking to your slatwall or sanding and repainting the whole area where your slatwall was.

First, line up your slatwall and level it in the corner of the first wall that you want to start on. Get the leveler out and double check to make sure your slatwall will look good to the human eye.

Second, take a pencil and mark the top and bottom of the leveled out slatwall. Also, mark the pre-drilled screw holes that you will be drilling into. This is in case you decide to try out the panels in a different configuration.

Third, keeping the panel level, take a drill and start screwing your slatwall into the drywall. Make sure to fill every pre-drilled hole in your slatwall to ensure a solid grip. Finish installation by leveling out and lining up each panel until the job is complete.

Rail Slatwall Installation

A less popular, but more effective for modular trade show designs or a mobile set-up is rail installation system. Like the screw-in installation, you will need screws, a drill, and a leveler.

Pro Tip: Confirm that your vertical rails are all attached with the hooks facing the same way. This is especially important if you have a custom design on your slatwall so you do not mount your slatwall upside down.

First, level out your horizontal rails (the ones with no hooks) and screw them into the wall or trade show display wall. Make sure each rail is level with the rest.

Second, screw the vertical rails (the ones with hooks) onto the slatwall. Make sure the vertical rails are level and spaced out evenly. This will ensure that your slatwall panel sits evenly and doesn’t strain or warp your horizontal rails.

Third, mount the slatwall by picking it up and setting the back-panel hooks over the wall-mounted rails. Cautiously shake the panel to settle the rails and your mount is complete.

Concrete or Brick Slatwall Installation

There may be some instances that may require you to install slatwall onto hard surfaces such as brick or concrete. The best option to preserve your structure is to construct a wood grid system, add drywall, and then use the screw-in installation method to install your slatwall.

You will need a hammer, drill, drywall screws, spring spikes, and enough wood for the area you are building out.

First, attach the horizontal wood grid to the wall. This may require drilling into the wall and using concrete screws or spring spikes depending on how strong you need your slatwall to be. Spring spikes will hold up slatwall but won’t hold much weight. Concrete screws are stronger, but may go deeper into the wall.

Pro Tip: Space out your studs the same distance as your slatwall pre-drilled holes. This will ensure that you can attach every screw and safely support your slatwall.

Second, attach the vertical wood grid to the horizontal wood grid. This can be done with drywall screws.

Third, install your slatwall as described in the screw-in installation method. Be sure to match up your slatwall’s pre-drilled holes with the studs you’ve made.